We arrived in Cherokee, North Carolina, early afternoon on 19 February 2012. We went straight away to our cabin and unpacked our automobile, my Brides Dodge Caliber. Then we made a dash to the super market, Food Lion and a store known as Family Dollar. We purchased essentials at both places and returned to the log cabin named "Nature's Landing". It amazes me how I really thought that loading up on certain foods before we left would be much more of an assistance than it turned out. I mean really, I thought we would need this or that but ended up buying so much more than I imagined. Paper goods, bread, butter and milk to name just a few. Oh yes, eggs and water too. And cold cuts and mayonnaise and mustard too. Anyways, we made sure we were well equipped. Even bought some extra fire wood for the just in case.
Cherokee is a dry Reservation, you see. Unless One is in the casino.(?) No beer or liquor. As in absolutely none. So we picked up the Red Stripe before we got there. (Tall Boys too! Never have seen them in the Pint sized cans before!) Anyways, unlike every previous pilgrimage when we would take a road up and into Bryson City, North Carolina. Ten or so miles up and away. Friends, I tell you what, Bryson City let's Folks know that you better get your beer or liquor before heading back too! Little damned town has liquor stores every half block or so. Seemed like to me. Cigarette Houses too! No, I don't smoke, but damn it if these Folks don't! It was like everybody smoked! Grandma, Ma and Pa, and adolescents too! Every body freakin' smoked. Hell, alot of places still have smoking in their establishments. No Poop!?
These parts of the Appalachians have a very peculiar and uncertain weather cycle. It may be cool and groovy one moment, when out of the very near sky's come rain, high wind and change Twenty-something degree weather to sixty degree Fahrenheit out of doors over night. This February happened to be the weirdest I have ever experienced in Cherokee. Usually cold to very damned cold! This visit not so much...
...there was one evening, I think it was Thursday, 23 February 2012, we slept with the windows wide open. It was cool in a gentle way, with a nice calm breeze. AND HELL NO! Not the front door left ajar and it being the only means of egress too! There's Bear up in these Cherokee Mountain Tops and I carry no weapon to defend. As in real and free American Black Bear. Bet I prayed for no visit from Bear. Besides, there also happened to be a wild pack of various hounds that I wanted to keep a distance from. So, the front door got locked up every-damned-night. Ha! No though, I am serious with a smile on my face.
On Friday, 24 February, it was beautiful warm and sunny. Then later that night the intense rain and winds came. So loudly I was able to hear and listen with my right good bad ear. It had rained off and on for most of our stay at Panther Creek. It didn't matter to us because we went on and did what we wished to do...
...no matter what the weather, we usually stay home and relax in Nature's Landing. I pray and meditate here. I feel Earth Mother in my hands and under my feet. I touch and taste of the fresh waters that splash and make the music that creeks make coming down mountain. It really is a music much more than sound. If One listens, One might hear Earth Mother sing a song...
...this rich Red Earth, is the Earth Kinfolk from two generations ago and back walked and worked. From those two generations back into history, my Cherokee Kinfolk did more than walked and worked. These who came before me fought, lived and died here in this place named The Cherokee Reservation. My Kinfolk. There is and always has been a Spiritual Connection for me here in Cherokee. Knowing my Grandmother Flossie is the one who passed on The Blood.
It just does not matter to me how I am perceived here. "Anymore". I do not go about beating a drum or thumping my chest. It is very much the same way with the White in my blood. Or the Spanish or other Hispanic society. Same with them who were dark complected - my Peoples Of Colour. Unless this comes up in conversation, I don't talk. Same - same, with the politics. My Life, my families history's, my Health and my politics are my business. I may blog and I may openly share the all-of-me, but I do not force these upon Folks - as I ask the same of them. You see, I don't have to talk. I know who I am. I know the stories of my Father's peoples and I know the stories passed on to me from my Mother. I remember them and keep them with me. These are the same story's passed on to Mom from my Grand Mother Flossie...
...through out my life my families and I made travels here. As a wee child until this very day. For my family and I this became an annual pilgrimage back in 1996. Due to the Meniere's and other illness's I have been away from Cherokee since 2008. I am so forever thankful to my Bride for coordinating this pilgrimage. I am grateful and know that I am Blessed. She assisted me in breaking out of exile! Yes, thankful.
I was so desperately in need of connecting with Mother Earth. I was so desperately in need of getting out of the city and into a place where I can listen to Mother Earth sing. Where these mountains call my name, daily. Where I feel the beat of Our Planet, Mother Earth.
In the night here in Cherokee, I can see millions and billions of stars! The night sky so dark and black that it creates the perfect platform and scene for these brilliant stars and a Moon that looked so close and near by. This same Moon and stars that my Kinfolk would and still look up to, to pray. To meditate.
Though only one week or so has passed and I am home sick for my home away from home. My eye orbs have the visions still in place. Every once and again I catch a certain scent or sound. O' my Cherokee, O' my dearest Cherokee.
For now, I have said enough although I have not said enough.
For now...
...I have said enough.
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